Field Marshal Sam Manekshaw (1914-2008)speaking to a jawan during the 1971 Indo-Pak War.
_________________________________________________________
Never met him, never spoke to him, never seen him.
Still he is a hero.
Do Not Stand by My Grave and Weep
Do not stand at my grave and weep;
I am not there. I do not sleep.
I am a thousand winds that blow.
I am the diamond glints on snow;
I am the sunlight on ripened grain;
I am the gentle autumn rain.
When you awaken in the morning’s hush
I am the swift uplifting rush
Of quiet birds in circled flight.
I am the soft stars that shine at night.
Do not stand at my grave and cry;
I am not there. I did not die.
Therefore, Goodbye.
10 comments:
Such a touching poem....I heard abt this death too, very sad.
One of the greatest heroes of modern India...
RIP Sir Sam Manekshaw.
I was amazed to read the press release of the Defence Ministry that as a “rare gesture” the Govt. of India decided to accord a state funeral to the iconic former army chief.
There was no need to belittle Sam Bahadur with that “rare gesture”. As Field marshal S.H.F.J. Manekshaw was a 5 star General, and five star generals do not retire. The state funeral with full military honours was his right as the highest ranking officer of the Indian army.
RIP Sam Manekshaw.
Is it true that our Army, Navy and Air chiefs were absent for the funeral of this five star general? and they send their two star generals instead? The defence minister was missing too..
Can anyone confirm this?
I read this from following link, not sure if this authentic:
http://churumuri.wordpress.com/2008/06/28/if-you-have-to-die-can-you-please-do-so-in-delhi/
Lakshmi, I'm glad you liked the poem.
Thanks for the comment, Indrani. I had seen your post too.
May Sam Bahadur Rest In Peace.
Nebu, I fully agree with you.
jk, what you read is right. The Army Chief was away in Moscow and couldn't make it. But the Navy and Air Force bosses who were in the country could have and should have been present at the funeral of Sam Bahadur. The Defense Minister too was absent.
Overall, it was a shoddy performance by the government. The excuse given was there was no precedence. Anyway, to make up, a good show was put up at India Gate, Delhi on June 30. The Defense Minister and all Service Chief's were present.
The US Presidential Candidate Obama has come out with glowing tribute to Sam Bahadur.
We Salute a true patriot, a true leader, a fighter, a legend.
Thanks for the comment, kariyachan.
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